On Marketing, Real Estate, and Technology

What Did Your Friends and Family Say…

when you told them that you were going to pursue being a real estate agent?

I’ve never been one, but I have started my own company, and this post really resonated with me.

But the most interesting thing that came out of our conversation that day was this…my friend said that a co-worker former co-worker asked him, “Do you think you be able to find another job like this one.” To which my friend said, “A job like this one…where I am underpaid and there’s no chance for advancement…yeah I can find “that” job. Those are everywhere.”

Working for myself has opened my eyes to a lot of things. Mainly, I could have been a better employee to former employers and living below your means allows you to do “stupid” things like quit your job and start your own business. It’s an adventure and trying at times, but most things worth doing aren’t easy.

Thing is, I figure, real estate agents are all independent contractors who don’t get paid, don’t get health insurance, etc. They eat what they kill, as far as I know. It’s sorta like starting your own business.

What sort of responses did y’all get when you told your friends and family you were going to do real estate? Horror? That look of pity? Congratulations?

-rsh

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My friends and family were excited beyond belief.They saw great wealth, beautiful homes, and a life of leisure in my future. Known of them considered real estate as starting my own business.Well, not until 10 years later when I left a well-known franchise and opened my own office.

It continues to amaze me that the general population fails to make this connection.

My family thought it was a perfect fit for me having been involved in real estate in one way or another many years before; however, many friends were not as supportive. I heard things like “You’re going to become a real estate agent? They are scum. Worse than scum.” and “Oh, great. Now we’ll start getting all of your junk mail,” and “Wow. So when are you getting a new, fancy car?”

Well, in some respects, both sides of the coin hit home. Real estate is interesting and I enjoy helping people find and sell homes. But I haven’t enjoyed the stereotype that comes with the job or feeling like I have to be the mighty hunter fighting for my place in the pack. It was fairly easy at first, but is getting harder as the market has softened.

My friends comments have been echoed in many a strangers rolling of the eyes and curled lips when I tell them I’m a broker. I’m happy to say that I don’t fit the stereotype, but most people will only see what they want to see. I don’t make a ton of money and I have to portion out what I earn for those lean months.

If a friend tells me they are thinking about becoming a real estate agent I just look at them and say, “Great idea! Be prepared for a roller coaster ride – ups, downs and loop-de-loops!”

Great story, Jody. It’d be interesting for me to read blog posts from the real estate agents in the RE.net about their first 30-days on the job. 🙂

Something I’m really starting to wonder about… Where do these stereotypes about real estate agents come from anyway? I have them myself, but… what’s the cause? Is it media portrayal? Based on reality? Not all stereotypes are false, after all.